This delicious Italian red wine is one that I wrote up earlier this week — when I tasted it, it was with this cheese pairing.

Mazzei 2006 Morellino di Scansano Belguardo Bronzone ($32). The name’s a mouthful, and so is this wine — concentrated, silky, deeply colored. Intense black cherry and berry fruit is laced with spiced tea, toast and a dash of chocolate. With a long, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

I had picked up a wedge of creamy white Pecorino Toscano at the market — this Italian sheep’s milk cheese is a softer, milder version of its more well-known relative, Pecorino Romano. I paired it with slices of silky duck prosciutto and simply grilled figs.

To grill fresh figs, all you need to do is gently remove the stems and then split the figs lengthwise. Brush with a small amount of olive oil and place them, cut side down, in a hot pan. It only takes a minute or so for them to get a caramelized sear — and you’re done!

This cheese and fig and prosciutto pairing would work with a variety of Italian reds — if you have a favorite Chianti, give it a try!